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Rising Tensions Leave Ships Stranded in Key Oil Passage

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz ⁠was closed for a fourth day on Tuesday, choking off a key artery accounting for about 20% of global oil and gas supply. Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, has raised urgent concerns over an increasingly alarming situation in the Strait of Hormuz, where dozens of vessels remain stranded amid escalating conflict involving Iran. He emphasized the need to safeguard global shipping and protect seafarers as the strategic waterway—responsible for roughly 20% of global oil and gas flows—remains closed for a fourth consecutive day.  The closure has disrupted international trade routes and heightened anxiety across the maritime sector. Greek authorities have urged shipowners to exercise maximum caution and avoid high‑risk zones in the wider Persian Gulf region as tensions continue to rise. The prolonged shutdown underscores the vulnerability of global supply chains to geopolitical instability and highlights th...

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Maximizing Your Tax Return: Uncover Hidden Deductions for 2024

 

Getting the most out of your tax return can feel like an early spring bonus. Whether you’re a seasoned taxpayer or a newcomer, there are lesser-known deductions that could significantly impact your bottom line. 

While the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has made filing expenses for people who work from home more complicated this year, there are still plenty of tax-deductible expenses that Canadians might be missing out on:

  • Children’s Summer Camps: Yes, you can claim credits for those enriching summer experiences.
  • Investment Expenses: If you have non-registered investment accounts, don’t overlook these costs.
  • Alimony Payments: If you’re making alimony payments, they may be deductible.
  • Moving Costs: Certain circumstances allow you to claim moving expenses.
  • Canadian employment amount: You can get credit for uniforms, work supplies, and more, up to $1,368 per year. Plus, if you subscribe to a Canadian news source, you can write off the cost of your subscription. 
  • Charitable donations: offer excellent tax benefits, especially for high-income earners. 
  • Contributing to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP): is a powerful way to boost your refund and save for retirement. Here’s the magic number: aim for 18% of your income, up to the maximum of $30,780. Be strategic about how much you contribute to retirement savings accounts and charities—this could be the difference between owing the government money or getting a refund.

Remember, every dollar saved through deductions and credits adds up. So, dive into the lesser-known deductions, make smart RRSP contributions, and unlock hidden tax benefits. 

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